More than one
thousand extraordinary Americans share their stories and the wisdom they
have gained on living, loving, and finding happiness.

After a chance encounter with an
extraordinary ninety-year-old woman, renowned gerontologist Karl
Pillemer began to wonder what older people know about life that the rest
of us don't.

His quest led him to interview
more than one thousand Americans over the age of sixty-five to seek
their counsel on all the big issues- children, marriage, money, career,
aging. Their moving stories and uncompromisingly honest answers often
surprised him. And he found that he consistently heard advice that
pointed to these thirty lessons for living. Here he weaves their
personal recollections of difficulties overcome and lives well lived
into a timeless book filled with the hard-won advice these older
Americans wish someone had given them when they were young.

About the Author:

Karl Pillemer, PhD, is the founder and director of the Cornell
Institute for Translational Research on Aging, a center that works to
increase public awareness of aging research. Dr. Pillemer has authored
more than one hundred scientific publications, and has spoken widely
throughout the world on issues of successful aging, family
relationships, and elder care.

My Thoughts:

My grandmother passed away at 101 and she always had great stories to tell us about her life and hardships. The book is divided into several sections that discuss marriage, parenting, life, careers, hardships, and life. The book was full of inspiration, advice, and hardships that can help everyone live a more fulfilling life. Growing up I always thought that my parents just wanted to tell me what to do but I learned to realize what they were just guiding me in the right direction. Reading the book reinforced what they taught me. All the information presented was practical, easy to read, and should be read by a young person to give them a perspective on life. I highly recommend the book and it will give you a little insight on life and how to tackle the challenges that it may throw you.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.